Counter service assistants serve food to customers from a counter or bar rather than providing table service. Snack bars, canteens, cafes, fast food outlets and self-service restaurants are usually counter service establishments.

Duties vary, depending on the working environment. Main tasks include maintaining the eating and serving areas, serving customers and cleaning and clearing tables.

Involvement in the preparation of food depends on the type of food outlet. In some places this is done by kitchen staff, although counter service assistants may help with tasks such as mixing sauces or preparing salads. In small establishments, such as snack bars, the preparation of all food and drink may be part of the work. In fast food restaurants, it is part of the role to undertake basic food cooking or re-heating, using ovens and microwaves, grills and deep fat fryers.

Counter service assistants are also responsible for handling money, credit cards and luncheon vouchers.

Hours and Environment

Most counter service assistants work around 40 hours a week. Overtime may be available.

Hours usually include evenings, weekends and public holidays. Shift work, including split shifts, is common. There are opportunities to work part-time and on a seasonal basis.

The job involves standing for long periods of time.

Skills and Interests

As a counter service assistant you should:

• be welcoming, friendly and polite
• have customer service skills and enjoy dealing with people
• be able to work as part of a team
• be clean and tidy, with high standards of personal hygiene
• be able to handle money accurately.

Entry

There are no formal qualifications necessary to become a counter service assistant. Previous experience in hospitality, customer service or catering can be an advantage. A basic food hygiene certificate or a GCSE/S grade in hospitality or similar, may also be useful.

Many local colleges offer general catering courses of varying lengths.

You may be able to get into this job through an apprenticeship scheme. Funding for apprenticeships is available for 16-24 year olds and some over-25s. To find out more, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk. For information about apprenticeships in other parts of the UK, see Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Training

Training varies, depending on the employer. Most training is given on the job by experienced members of staff. Some employers, such as fast food chains, have detailed training programmes. Some large organisations have their own training schools; others may use local colleges and training providers.

All employers will provide training in health and safety, and hygiene, which may lead to a nationally recognised qualification.

Counter service assistants may receive training leading to vocational qualifications, such as:

• NVQ Level 1 in Hospitality
• SVQ Level 1 in Preparing and Serving Food
• NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in Food and Drink Service
• NVQ Level 2 in Multi-Skilled Hospitality Services
• SVQ Level 2 in Hospitality Service.

With further training and responsibility it can be possible to work towards NVQ/SVQ Level 3 in Hospitality Supervision.

Opportunities

Counter service assistants work in a variety of catering establishments throughout the UK, including cafes, self-service restaurants, business canteens, schools, colleges, snack bars, and fast food outlets.

Staff turnover is high, so there are always vacancies advertised in the local press and in Jobcentre Plus.

Prospects are dependent on the organisation. There is rarely a career structure in small organisations, so progressing may mean moving to another employer. Larger employers are more likely to have a career structure that may allow you to be promoted to supervisory and management jobs, possibly after gaining an NVQ/SVQ at level 2 or above.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Full-time counter service assistants usually earn between £9,000 and £12,500 a year.
At supervisor level this can rise to £12,000 to £16,000 a year.

Further information

2nd Floor
Armstrong House
38 Market Square
Uxbridge
Middlesex
UB8 1LH
Tel: 0870 060 2550